Module Identifier IPM7830  
Module Title PLEIDIAU A CHYNRYCHIOLAETH YN Y GYMRU GYFOES (PARTIES AND REPRESENTATION IN CONTEMPORARY WALES)  
Academic Year 2006/2007  
Co-ordinator Dr Richard W Jones  
Semester Intended for use in future years  
Next year offered N/A  
Next semester offered N/A  
Other staff Professor Roger M Scully, Dr Elin Royles  
Course delivery Seminars / Tutorials   10 x 2 hour seminars  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment 1 x 1000 word paper on seminar  20%
Semester Assessment 2 x 3500 word essays  80%

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students will be able:
1. Discuss the nature of electoral politics in Wales prior to 1999 and after devolution.
2. Critically assess and evaluate effects of devolution on both electoral politics and the political parties in Wales.
3. Describe and analyse the main features of alternative forms of representation post-devolution and assess the success of the National Assembly in achieving 'descriptive representation'.
4. Demonstrate, through written work and in seminar discussions, an awareness and understanding of the changes in public opinion in Wales post-devolution.
5. Analyse the effects of public opinion on the political parties and the National Assembly for Wales.
6. Identify and evaluate the key policy issues during the National Assembly's first and second terms.
7. Discuss the effects and electoral politics, the involvement of different alternative representation in the policy process and public opinion on the Assembly's policy agenda and evaluate the implications of these.

Brief description

This module aims to provide an examination of developments in Welsh politics since the creation of the National Assembly for Wales. It discusses electoral politics, alternative forms of representation and public opinion post-devolution as well as the Welsh Assembly's policy agenda in order to assess the complex nature of Welsh politics and political behaviour in a devolved Wales.

Content

Conventional forms of representation
1. Electoral politics and political parties in pre-devolution Wales.
2. The political parties in post-devolution Wales.
3. Electoral politics in post-devolution Wales.
Alternative forms of representation
4. Theories of representation: descriptive representation
5. Women representation in post devolution Wales
6. 'Minorities' and the National Assembly
7. Civil society engagement in post-devolution Welsh Politics
Public opinion in Wales
8. Public opinion: national identity and constitutional preferences post-devolution
9. Public opinion and policy choices in the 'new' Wales
10. The impact of representation on politics and policy in post-devolution Wales

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7